I have a variety of tents based in the situation I am camping in.
Backpacking -REI half dome 2SL
Car camping short trip - Ozark trail 6 person instant tent (used to have a core instant tent that was better quality. Started leaking on a trip after around 100 nights of use and did a quick replace at Walmart due to continued rain in the forecast. This is also the one I lend out to friends when needed.)
Car camping longer trip - Coleman 8person skydome
Car camping but walk in site of 1 mile or less Core 6 person dome tent with vestibule.
REI Half Dome SL held up great in a storm for me. sets up quick, fits 2-3 people easy. Nemo Dragonfly if you're backpacking. Marmot Tungsten if car camping and want cheaper. get a 3-person for you + dog + friend. test it at home first.
I upgraded gear gradually when I found it inadequate for my needs. I had an old kelty tent that got flattened and flooded in a rainstorm…quickly upgraded to a REI sl2 tent for car camping. Started getting into backpacking and my 20yr old sleeping bag was too bulky and heavy, so I upgraded to a quilt. If you’re a fair weather camper there’s not much need to change your setup, but you could keep a lookout for gear sales and pick up stuff when it’s discounted
A 3 season tent is adequate year round unless you expect high winds and heavy snow. If you want to start camping in that, you should get a second tent. I carry an REI tent (I have a no-longer made 1 person and a Half Dome SL 2+, for solo vs with my wife). They're not the lightest (SL2+ is about 5 lbs), but they're bombproof and freestanding, so very easy to set up, and they're reasonably priced. The SL2+ lists for over $300, but if you wait for a sale, you're sure to find one under $300. The Nemo Aurora is similar, at a similar price point.
jeswesky
